Overview
From Andrew Harper
In recent years, Central America has managed to shake off its previous image as a political trouble spot and has blossomed into an eminently inviting destination. Thanks to its extraordinary natural riches, the region has been able to capitalize on the popularity of ecotourism, which has become the mainstay of the Costa Rican economy in particular. Between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts lies a tract of tropical forest that teems with an amazing profusion of exotic animals, birds, butterflies and flowers. The area also contains remarkable Mayan ruins, evocative remnants of its fascinating pre-Columbian culture. Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica already offer sophisticated lodges; doubtless Honduras and Panama will soon follow suit. Where political instability once made travel seem more than a little daunting, today’s visitors are welcomed by generally charming and easygoing inhabitants. Nicaragua in particular seems to be on the brink of a new era, having opted for democratic governments and the kind of upscale ecotourism one associates with Belize and Costa Rica.
Much of the region is staggeringly beautiful, with immense volcanoes rising from glittering lakes set into a rich and verdant landscape. Beneath the volcanic cones stand elegant and unspoiled Spanish colonial cities such as Antigua in Guatemala and Granada in Nicaragua. To the north, in remote jungles that extend across the Guatemalan border into Mexico, lies the former heartland of the Maya, the most remarkable of pre-Columbian peoples. Today, the vast ruins of Tikal (as well as numerous other cities, many still half-buried in vegetation) comprise an extraordinary and enigmatic archaeological legacy.
Considered by naturalists to be a “hot spot” of biological diversity, Central America’s jungles are home to spectacular birds such as the quetzal and the toucan; five species of spotted cats, including the magnificent jaguar; and a bewildering variety of butterflies, some the size of small plates! Though the region offers only a limited number of hotels and lodges suitable for Andrew Harper members, we are pleased to recommend several delightful properties in truly magical settings.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Central America
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Victoria House Plantation-style hotel along a palm-lined white-sand beach, 15 minutes from the San Pedro airport. Most of the 42 accommodations are average, the exceptions being the Infinity Suites and Villas, the Rainforest Casita Suite and the deluxe units in three beachfront villas. |
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Blancaneaux Lodge Recently upgraded retreat in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, overlooking the Privassion River where it cascades into a series of mirror-like pools. |
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Cayo Espanto Hideaway on private four-acre islet, 10 minutes by boat from Ambergris Caye. |
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Chan Chich Lodge Captivating retreat built within the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, surrounded by a 130,000-acre nature reserve teeming with exotic birds, monkeys and other wildlife. |
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The Lodge at Chaa Creek Scenic 330-acre nature reserve on a grassy ridge above the Macal River. |
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Turtle Inn Sister property to Blancaneaux Lodge (see above) fronting a white-sand beach in Placencia, 35 minutes by air south of Belize City. |
Stann Creek District |
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Hotel Casa Turire Colonial-style hacienda surrounded by a working estate encompassing tropical forests, coffee/macadamia plantations and the wild Reventazón River. |
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Hotel Grano de Oro Old World-style hotel occupying a handsomely restored turn-of-the-century mansion in a quiet residential section of San José (a short taxi ride from the National Museum, National Theater and best shopping districts). |
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Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo Gracious 155-lodging resort overlooking two beaches from the hilly Peninsula Papagayo. |
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Hotel Punta Islita Appealing seaside hideaway on a forested coastal stretch of the secluded Nicoya Peninsula, 45 minutes by air west of San José. |